COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 21, 2004 - American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) has been selected as one of the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” by Working Mother magazine, a national publication that targets career-committed mothers.

AEP, the only company based in central Ohio on the magazine’s list this year, received the same recognition in 2002.

AEP programs and services that Working Mother highlighted in the selection process include the company’s wellness and adoption assistance programs; the availability of flexible schedules, job-sharing arrangements and “telecommuting”; and dry-cleaning and video-rental services offered at the AEP headquarters building. The magazine also noted the commitment of AEP leadership to promoting a favorable work/life balance.

“This honor is gratifying because it confirms that AEP does more than pay lip service to the goal of helping employees balance their personal and work lives,” said Michael G. Morris, AEP’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “We cannot expect employees to give their best if their work obligations prevent them from attending to matters and finding fulfillment in their lives away from work.”

“Working Mother is recognized nationwide for setting the benchmark for corporate America’s work/life programs,” said Mary Cofer, AEP’s director - personnel services and Equal Employment Opportunity. “The fact that we have been named to the ‘top 100’ list two out of three years speaks volumes about the quality of our programs and AEP’s commitment to helping employees achieve a healthy work/life balance.”

The list of recognized companies is in the October edition, which is available on newsstands and at www.workingmother.com.

AEP and the other honorees will be recognized during an awards ceremony Oct. 7 at the annual 100 Best Companies Work/Life Congress in New York, sponsored by Working Mother Media (WMM). WMM publishes Working Mother and Executive Female magazines and sponsors the National Association for Female Executives.

American Electric Power owns more than 36,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States and is the nation’s largest electricity generator. AEP is also one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, with more than 5 million customers linked to AEP’s 11-state electricity transmission and distribution grid. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio.